intensiv

Intensiv is a German-language term that primarily functions as an adjective meaning "intense" or "highly concentrated." It also serves as a productive stem in many compounds, especially in technical and medical vocabulary.

In general usage, intensiv forms appear in phrases such as eine intensive Woche (an intensive week) or intensives Training (intense training). The form inflects according to gender, number, and case when used as a bare adjective.

In medicine, Intensiv- is a common prefix in established terms like Intensivmedizin (intensive care medicine), Intensivstation (intensive care unit), Intensivpflege (intensive care nursing), and Intensivüberwachung (intensive monitoring). These terms designate care that is continuous, highly specialized, and capable of providing extensive monitoring and support for seriously ill patients.

Etymology: Intensiv comes from Latin intensus meaning "stretched tightly, severe, or intense," passing into German through Romance languages and later German usage.

Usage notes: In English, the standalone word Intensiv does not function as a common term; English equivalents are "intense" or "intensive," and the ICU is the Intensive Care Unit.

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